ewolfman wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have partial sound (read on!) on my machine, using Realtek AC'97.
> I have had this issue a long time ago, and I think that reinstalling
> the WDM drivers solved it. However, it doesn't solve the problem now.
>
> Uninstalling and installing the latest WDM (3.99) doesn't fix this.
>
> As a result, I have the following (odd) behavior:
>
> 1. mp3 files play well (!).
> 2. when opening the "Sounds and Audio Devices", under Control Panel,
> under the "Audio" tab, Realtek is listed and selected; under Voice
> tab, the "Voice Playback" lists Realtek, but it is not selected.
> Selecting it, applying, closing the window and reopening - the Realtek
> is still not selected.
> 3. "Sounds and Audio Devices", Sounds tab, lists the usual "Program
> events", but selecting one does not enable the "play" button.
> 4. Sound in IE is not playing.
> 5. The "Play volume icon in the taskbar" - does not display the volume
> icon in the taskbar.
> 6. Realtek AC'97 and the rest of the Sound related drivers are listen
> under the node "Unknown" in Device Manager. No "Sounds, video and game
> controllers" node exists.
>
> I'm certain that this is a device driver issue. But at the moment, I
> have no idea how to solve it.
>
> Any ideas? (Please, do not suggest "reinstall XP", or "repair XP").
> Thanks.
>

OK, I won't suggest you "reinstall XP" or "repair XP" - not just because
you don't want to do that but because it would be the wrong advice
anyway. You may be using the wrong drivers or the sound chip (card) is
failing. I don't know anything about your computer (brand, laptop,
desktop, etc.) so I can only give you general advice. First, re the drivers:

Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Get the most recent ones from whichever source above is appropriate in
your case and see if that solves the issue. If it doesn't and you have a
desktop, disable the onboard sound and put in a PCI sound card. You can
buy a basic sound card for under $20 USD.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User